38 Christmas Candy Recipes (Make Ahead and Gift Ready)
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Christmas candy is one of the sweetest parts of the holiday season. Whether you're making homemade gifts, filling a candy tray for a party, or just craving something festive, these recipes are simple, fun, and always delicious.
Love Christmas? See these ideas for how to make Christmas special, or for these Christmas dinner ideas!
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Easy Christmas Candy Recipes
This collection of easy Christmas candy recipes includes everything from classic fudge and toffee to no-bake treats, peppermint bark, brittles, and truffles. Best of all, most of them can be made ahead - giving you more time to savor the season.
It's the season of all things holiday, all things jolly, and all things candy cane. And while I love to bake holiday cookies, there is something very special about homemade Christmas candies. Treasured gifts from one friend to another are what the holidays are all about.
If you need some ideas, here are some festive candies you'll love to make this year, from chocolate-covered candies to truffles, crockpot candies, toffee, fudge, and much more! Perfect for making ahead of the holidays.
1
thechunkychef.com
Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy
Give your oven a break during the holiday and make this easy Christmas crockpot candy! It only takes 4 simple ingredients and a slow cooker!
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2
www.countryliving.com
Chocolate Coconut Truffles
"Three types of coconut product make these truffles the ideal gift for the coconut lover in your life."
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3
www.delicious.com.au
Chocolate Peppermint Fudge: The Ultimate Gift
Chocolate, peppermint and fudge... Could this recipe get more Christmas?
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4
5
Peppermint Patty Recipe
Whip up some festive cheer in a flash! This peppermint patty recipe only has seven ingredients and comes together in just a few steps. It's the perfect activity to do with kids!
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6
Simple Yet Decadent Chocolate Mint Truffles
A 3-ingredient, easy to make, chocolate mint truffle to enjoy for yourself, or even gift. Plus, they freeze well too.
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7
Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe
This Christmas Muddy Buddies Recipe is the perfect quick and easy treat for the holidays. Always a classic favorite, naturally gluten-free, and ready in minutes!
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8
www.allrecipes.com
Best Toffee Ever
Need an edible gift that'll please everyone on your list? Look no further than toffee! This top-rated toffee recipe is beloved because it's easy, quick, and absolutely irresistible.
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9
www.tasteofhome.com
Chocolate Coconut Candies
"These coconut candy balls disappear just as fast as I put them out. They're a snap to whip up and make a beautiful presentation on any holiday cookie plate."
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10
bgh.com
Peppermint Pretzel Candies
"For delicious candy that comes together in a snap, combine pretzels, peppermint, and white chocolate in your slow cooker. This crunchy Christmas candy makes a sweet holiday gift idea. Tip: Be sure to use the low-heat setting when cooking chocolate in a slow cooker, and watch carefully to avoid scorching.”
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11
Divinity Candy Recipe
Divinity Candy Recipe - this old-fashioned divinity recipe is the perfect holiday treat. Divinity Candy just like grandma used to make!
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12
www.bettycrocker.com
3-Ingredient Christmas Swirl Fudge
With just 10 minutes of prep, some cooling time in your fridge and three ingredients, this sweet-as-can-be recipe will deliver holiday fun. It's the easiest (and tastiest!) way to spread joy during the hectic holiday season.
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13
thespruceeats.com
How to Make The Best Peppermint Bark
"This is my favorite method for making peppermint bark--it's delicious, it's easy, it's beautiful, and everyone loves receiving it during the holidays!"
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14
garnishandglaze.com
White Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
"With just 5 ingredients, make the most amazing melt-in-your-mouth White Chocolate Raspberry Truffles to delight in this holiday season."
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15
www.countryliving.com
Divinity with Cherries and Pecans Recipe
"These light-and-delightful classic Southern desserts look and taste absolutely divine."
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16
Salty Chocolate-Pecan Candy
"The hardest part about making Salty Chocolate-Pecan Candy is waiting for the chocolate to firm up before devouring it."
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17
bgh.com
No-Bake White Chocolate-Almond Butter Balls
"Break open the bright white exterior of this Chrismas candy to reveal a delicious blend of crisp, crunchy rice cereal and creamy almond butter. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the treats for a gourmet presentation."
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18
sugarapron.com
Easy Peppermint Bark
"An unbelievably easy, no-fuss, Christmas peppermint bark recipe."
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19
lemontreedwelling.com
Crispy Peanut Butter Toffee Truffles
"These Crispy Peanut Butter Toffee Truffles are light, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter toffee truffles coated in rich milk chocolate and topped with crushed toffee bits."
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20
5 Minute Christmas Crack
Tis the season for sweet and salty, and easy. This simple Christmas Crack can be made in 5 minutes or less -- and is incredibly tasty. Does it get better than that?
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21
www.thepioneerwoman.com
Sweet and Salty Reindeer Pops Recipe
"Peppermint and chocolate are a match made in holiday heaven! All you need to do is melt, stir, spread, and let it cool-it doesn't get easier than that."
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22
altonbrown.com
Sugarplums
"The earliest mention of sugarplums as a confection is from 1668. While the English defined it as a type of comfit (a sugar-crusted seed or fruit), sugar plum can also mean "something very pleasing or agreeable; esp. when given as a sop or bribe," a use of the term that dates back to 1608. The word plum in Victorian times usually suggested a raisin or dried currant, not the fruit we think of today."
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23
www.themagicalslowcooker.com
Crockpot Christmas Candy
"Make Christmas candy in your slow cooker. It's a decadent peanut chocolate treat with the addition of peanuts and pecans. Add some holiday sprinkles, and you have another treat for your holiday cookie trays."
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24
womansday.com
Snowman Chocolates Recipe
"Stay toasty this winter with a mug of cocoa and these easy-to-make snowman chocolates."
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25
bhg.com
Cashew Brittle
"Try a nutty twist on buttery brittle by trading cashews for peanuts. The classic Christmas candy takes just 15 minutes of prep and can be stored for up to a week." It also freezes well!
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26
aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com
Easy Christmas Gumdrop Nougat Candy
These Gumdrop Nougat Candies taste like nostalgia and Christmas' past. And I love them. They're sweet, soft, chewy and so delicious. And very easy to make. Create a batch and share them with friends, give them as gifts, and make sure to have them on your holiday treat plate!
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27
countryliving.com
White Chocolate Truffles
They're not only delicious-they're the perfect last-minute gift too.
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28
Easy Homemade Caramel Candy (Microwave Method)
Make soft, buttery caramel candy in just 6 minutes with this easy microwave recipe. Perfect for beginners and holiday gifting!
Homemade Caramel Recipe
29
www.tasteofhome.com
Layered Mint Candies
"These incredible melt-in-your-mouth candies have the perfect amount of mint nestled between layers of mild chocolate. Even when I make a double batch for everyone to enjoy, the supply never lasts long at Christmas!"
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30
countryliving.com
Salted Caramel Cracker Candy Recipe
Master the sweet-and-salty-dessert trend - without turning on the oven! Our easiest-ever brittle-like candy (made with saltines!) is 100% no-bake and requires only a microwave. Who needs a candy thermometer?
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31
www.thekitchn.com
Recipe: Eggnog Marshmallows
"You've been invited to a dinner party, and suddenly you're wondering what, exactly, you should bring the host - I realized that marshmallows make the perfect gift this time of year. And these eggnog marshmallows, in particular, will guarantee you get an invite to the next party."
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32
houseofnasheats.com
Pecans Praline
"There is nothing like old-fashioned Southern Pecan Pralines! This melt-in-your-mouth treat is a cross between a cookie and a candy and it's loaded with crunchy pecans, butter, and fabulous brown sugar flavor."
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33
wonkywonderful.com
Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe
"This Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe brings two of your favorite winter desserts together. Hot cocoa and rich fudge topped with marshmallows! The perfect holiday party recipe."
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34
natashaskitchen.com
Candied Pecans Recipe
"Homemade Candied Pecans are crunchy and with an irresistible cinnamon coating. These come together in about 5 minutes and the oven does the rest."
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35
southernliving.com
Mrs. Floyd's Divinity
"Divinity is a classic candy made with granulated sugar, corn syrup, and stiffly beaten egg white. With the addition of chopped pecans, this divinity is crunchy, fluffy, and simply divine."
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36
bhg.com
Homemade Fudge
"Homemade fudge sandwiches thick, gooey caramel and crunchy peanuts for a delicious sweet that rivals your favorite candy bar. Our recipe yields 64 servings, making it perfect for holiday baking exchanges and large family gatherings."
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37
Chocolate Toffee Christmas Recipe
If you love toffee but want to make a quicker and easier version, this Chocolate Toffee Christmas Crack Recipe is a super simple way to make it with 5 simple ingredients and without a candy thermometer. And it is utterly delicious!
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38
Favorite Nut Brittle Recipe
Make old-fashioned peanut brittle at home with this easy recipe. A crunchy, buttery Christmas candy that's perfect for gifting and keeps beautifully through the holidays.
Peanut Brittle Recipe
39
Slow Cooker Maple Spiced Nuts
Slow Cooker Maple Spiced Nuts. They've become a quick favorite in my house. And a popular gift for friends.
Slow Cooker Maple Spiced Nuts Recipe
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Christmas Candy
One of the best things about holiday candy is how well it stores. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Fudge & Truffles: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Freeze (well-wrapped) for up to 3 months.
- Brittles & Toffee: Store at room temperature in airtight tins, layered with parchment or wax paper. Keep in a cool, dry spot away from humidity.
- Chocolate Bark: Store at room temperature in airtight containers for 2 weeks or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Sugared Nuts & Fruit: Store in airtight jars at room temperature for 7-10 days.
👉 Pro tip: If freezing candy, thaw in the refrigerator first, then bring to room temperature before serving to avoid condensation.
St. Nicholas and the Sugar Plum
When we think of Christmas candy, visions of sugarplums often come to mind. The tradition dates back centuries to St. Nicholas, whose December 6th feast day inspired gift-giving and sweet treats for children.
While sugarplums once referred to candied fruit or spiced confections, today the term has become a symbol of holiday cheer itself - a reminder of the magic and sweetness of the season.
It's a shame that the recipe for White Chocolate Peppermint Patties in your Christmas Candy article, you have to pay to subscribe to Country Living to get the recipe. I was very disappointed.
Thank you, Jane for your comment. When I first shared this recipe, it was not behind a paywall -- I wish it wasn't, it's a great recipe. I will look for another similar recipe or will post one of my own on the website.
How do you store them when you make them ahead like this? Thank you!
Thank you so much for your question, and I’m so sorry for the late reply! Holiday candy is one of my favorite make-ahead treats. Most candies will keep beautifully if stored in airtight containers: fudge and truffles in the fridge (or freezer for longer storage), and toffees or brittles at room temperature in a cool, dry spot. I’ve also updated the post with a full storage guide that you might find helpful. Wishing you many sweet holiday seasons ahead!
When do you start making candy for christmas. In November or first of December.
Hi Deborah! Most years, I like to begin near the end of October but this year, it was a bit delayed. I'm making up for it now!